DPS Graduates 122 New Texas State Troopers

March 23, 2026 – The Texas Department of Public Safety welcomed 122 new Texas Highway Patrol troopers Friday during a graduation ceremony in Austin, marking the completion of Recruit Class C-2025.

The ceremony, held at Austin Ridge Bible Church, recognized the department’s 180th graduating class. Out of 1,685 applicants, 136 recruits began the rigorous 30-week training academy last August, with 122 successfully meeting all requirements to earn their commission.

Houston Police Chief J. Noe Diaz, a former DPS trooper and Texas Ranger, delivered the keynote address. Drawing on his own experience, Diaz encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges ahead.

“I’ve walked the road you’re about to take,” Diaz said. “The miles will be long, but the honor of serving Texas will make every one of them worth it.”

DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin praised the class, calling it one of the most prepared in agency history. He said the new troopers are ready to serve communities across Texas with professionalism and dedication.

During the academy, recruits completed more than 1,200 hours of instruction, covering areas such as law enforcement procedures, crash investigation, crisis response and emergency medical care. The training concluded with a field exercise simulating real-world scenarios troopers may encounter on duty.

Class C-2025 includes 99 men and 23 women, with ages ranging from 21 to 51. Thirty-three graduates are military veterans, and more than half speak multiple languages.

The new troopers are scheduled to report to duty stations across the state beginning April 12.